[Easymoney]

I’m looking to get either car. Most of the 540s are pretty pricy and high mileage. I’ve found a 530 that’s pretty loaded and has low mileage. What do you guys think about the b48 and any pros/cons? I had a 16 535i so how would it compare to that, I know it will be slower. Should I keep looking or go with the 530i? Thank you for your time and feedback.

[adhrp]

Having owned an N20 328i and now a B48 X3, I would get the B58 for the 5 series. The 5 and X3 are both heavy, so the B48 seems to fall a bit short for me. It's quite peppy in the 3 series probably due to much less weight.

[Bob in IL]

If you're able to, the best thing to do initially is drive both and see how they feel to you to see how they compare for the mileage and price etc.

[ppointer]

You have to drive them. That said, I never liked any modern 4-cylinder BMW that I drove.

[ab1752]

I have a new 330i courtesy car, and have had it for 4 + weeks while the m550i has been rotting as it awaits a new front strut. The best part about the 330i is how amazing the m550i will feel once I get it back again. The 4 banger is ok, boots along fine, but I couldn't imagine a similar 4 cylinder in a g30. The 535i would be way quicker but as others mentioned, you gotta drive it to see for yourself.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Easymoney

I’m looking to get either car. Most of the 540s are pretty pricy and high mileage. I’ve found a 530 that’s pretty loaded and has low mileage. What do you guys think about the b48 and any pros/cons? I had a 16 535i so how would it compare to that, I know it will be slower. Should I keep looking or go with the 530i? Thank you for your time and feedback.

I've got '14 535i (N55) & a '19 540 (B58). The G30 is in no way slower than the F10. I would never buy a 4-banger in a car as heavy as the 5-series. I stepped down to a 4-banger once before and never will again!

[Easymoney]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

I've got '14 535i (N55) & a '19 540 (B58). The G30 is in no way slower than the F10. I would never buy a 4-banger in a car as heavy as the 5-series. I stepped down to a 4-banger once before and never will again!

Yeah I meant I knew the b48 would be slower than the 535. That’s also what I was thinking as the 4-banger wouldn’t be suitable for a bigger car like the 5 series. Thanks for the input.

[Joe-BMW33]

The B48 is certainly capable of pulling the 530 around, but it’s going to feel like it’s working all the time. Winding out gears a bit and higher RPM’s. The B58 is really the sweet spot. I had an F10 535. You will be underwhelmed with the B48.

[AP]

Whilst I have not driven a 4 cylinder car myself for a long long time , would echo the thoughts on the 540.
I had a g30 540 for 5 years and can throughly recommend it.
That engine really is one of BMWs best and arguably one of the best engines in the world.

So why recommend it over a 4?
Ok it has more power (obvious!) but it will make the driving more enjoyable as it needs less effort than a smaller engine will require to do the same job

As a straight six, it is incredibly smooth. And that’s right up into top rpms

It is very refined , again the smoothness disguises the rpms

Unless you are driving in a “spirited fashion” I bet the mpg is not much less than the 2 litre

Just look at any reviews if any bmw model that ends in 40i and see how it is praised

Those are my thoughts

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by ab1752

I have a new 330i courtesy car, and have had it for 4 + weeks while the m550i has been rotting as it awaits a new front strut. The best part about the 330i is how amazing the m550i will feel once I get it back again. The 4 banger is ok, boots along fine, but I couldn't imagine a similar 4 cylinder in a g30. The 535i would be way quicker but as others mentioned, you gotta drive it to see for yourself.

Yep. I just picked up a loaner for my wife, a 2-series coupe. The power is anemic, the gearing in Drive seems to lug the engine, the start stop is clunky, and I really dislike the rotating map in the middle of the dash display in front of the driver (I realize it can be turned off), but not as much as I really dislike the giant screen in the middle for everything else. At least there was a volume/mute button still, but it makes me think I am done with BMWs after the ten I have owned. Maybe if I ever get rid of my 540xi I wil get a used 550xi, but probably pre-LCI.--Bob

[Joe-BMW33]

My experience with the B48 is also a G20 loaner. Had it many times and I also could not imagine it being my daily engine in a G30.

[lnxguy]

B58 is the easy choice, especially in a G30 chassis.

[Neusser]

B48 has plenty of power for hauling the 5er, particularly as a sedan (which is relatively light with a med. spec) and specifically if you are in the US where you won't even really be able to enjoy the B58 to its fullest.

One other benefit is that you will get closer to a 50/50 weight balance with the B48. My Touring is 50/50 with the B58, but the sedan is not quite as balanced.

Given the benefits in handling, the more-than-adequate pull, and the fact that you can't fully enjoy the more powerful engine, the 530 might not be a bad option--and you save some cash.

Sound won't be great ofc, but hey...

[Joe-BMW33]

😂😂😂😂😂. So predictable.

[Easymoney]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

😂😂😂😂😂. So predictable.

?

[Mizuno]

I was in the same bout when shopping. I drove both. Went with the 540 because I was coming from a 240 and loved the B58. I just couldnt step down to the 4 cyl after that. Had to drive 450 miles but I found one with CPO and the perfect spec for mr.

Its funny how its the same engine I had in my 240, but it feels SO MUCH SMOOTHER. Way quieter too. I thought the first thing I would do is exhaust to make it louder..but..I actually kind of like how muted and sleeperish it is.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by AP

...
Unless you are driving in a “spirited fashion” I bet the mpg is not much less than the 2 litre...

We're on a road trip now. Drove 100 freeway miles before we left home and still had over 450 miles till empty. Drove up the 5 through heavy traffic (some construction & LA traffic SUCKS!) and finally got to set the cruise at 82 (some "blasts" into the mid-90's). Got gas 330ish miles later and still had a third of a tank left. I hand calculated 32.25mpg. After filling-up the DTE showed 610 miles! Not bad for the way I drove .

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

😂😂😂😂😂. So predictable.

Long story, nothing to do with you. Calling out Nassar’s usual contrarian trolling and unsupported weight distribution soap box. If I hadn’t discouraged you from the B48 and played it up, he would have said it’s too weak. That’s how he rolls on this board. It just gets old.

[Easymoney]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

We're on a road trip now. Drove 100 freeway miles before we left home and still had over 450 miles till empty. Drove up the 5 through heavy traffic (some construction & LA traffic SUCKS!) and finally got to set the cruise at 82 (some "blasts" into the mid-90's). Got gas 330ish miles later and still had a third of a tank left. I hand calculated 32.25mpg. After filling-up the DTE showed 610 miles! Not bad for the way I drove .

Awesome! I think 540 will be the move for me. Maybe we’ll cruise past each other on the 5 haha but glad to know it’s got a good range on it and a solid mpg. Thanks for your input, greatly appreciated.

[Easymoney]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Long story, nothing to do with you. Calling out Nassar’s usual contrarian trolling and weight distribution soap box. If I hadn’t discouraged you from the B48 and played it up, he would have said it’s too weak. That’s how he rolls on this board.

Haha I see, well good to know since I will probably be on this a bit more now. Thank you for the input man, 540 will probably be the move for me. I did feel like the b48 would be underwhelming especially coming from the N55.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Easymoney

Haha I see, well good to know since I will probably be on this a bit more now. Thank you for the input man, 540 will probably be the move for me. I did feel like the b48 would be underwhelming especially coming from the N55.

Yup, listen to the 99% of us in this thread, even though we live in the US and aren’t worthy of a 540😉. Only he can fully enjoy a 540, because he is “over there” (but really from here).

[Easymoney]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yup, listen to the 99% of us in this thread, even though we live in the US and aren’t worthy of a 540😉. Only he can fully enjoy a 540, because he is “over there” (but really from here).

Haha I will be listening to you guys and getting the 540. I did find his comment to be strange too because we can’t “fully enjoy it here”. I’m sure I’m going to love it. Maybe I’ll move to Germany so I can “fully enjoy it” 😂